Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines the best of Eastern European flavors in a slow-cooked, hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a cozy dinner party, this dish is bound to satisfy with its cheesy goodness, savory kielbasa, and delicate pierogies. The best part? It requires minimal prep time, allowing you to “set it and forget it” in your crockpot, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

Let’s dive into the details of this delicious, family-friendly recipe that will quickly become a staple in your home.

Ingredients for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

The ingredients for this comfort food masterpiece are simple, yet they deliver a deep, rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 Packages of Mrs. T’s Cheddar Pierogies: These potato-filled dumplings are the heart of the dish. They soak up the creamy sauce and pair perfectly with kielbasa.
• 4 Cups of Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring the casserole stays rich and hearty.
• 8 oz Block of Cream Cheese: Cream cheese helps create a luscious sauce that coats the pierogies and kielbasa.
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because when it comes to comfort food, you can never have too much cheese.
• 1 lb Kielbasa, Sliced: Kielbasa adds a smoky, savory punch that balances the creaminess of the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: These simple seasonings bring everything together.
• Optional Garnish: Thinly Sliced Green Onions: Add a pop of color and a subtle oniony crunch to finish the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

1. Prepare the Crockpot

Start by spraying a 4-quart crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This is a crucial step in ensuring your casserole slides out effortlessly.

2. Assemble the Ingredients

• Add 3 cups of chicken broth to the bottom of the crockpot.
• Layer in the frozen cheddar pierogies directly. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, which makes this step super quick and easy.
• Spread the sliced kielbasa evenly across the pierogies to ensure every bite is packed with smoky flavor.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Reserve some extra cheese for later if you want to add a cheesy finishing layer.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix and Set to Cook

Gently stir the mixture to ensure the pierogies are coated in broth and evenly distributed. This will help them soak up the delicious flavors while cooking.

• Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 hours. The longer, slower cooking process on low heat allows the flavors to meld together more deeply, but either option will yield excellent results.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

While your casserole is cooking, you’ll want to prepare the cream cheese mixture, which will be added toward the end to give the dish its signature creaminess.

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and remaining cup of chicken broth. Microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until the cream cheese is soft and easy to whisk.
• Whisk the mixture until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. The goal is to create a creamy, pourable sauce that will meld into the casserole perfectly.

5. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture and Finish Cooking

About 30 minutes before serving, pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the contents of the crockpot. This step is crucial for achieving the dish’s creamy consistency.

• Add the reserved shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
• Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat to allow the sauce to thicken and everything to meld together.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the casserole to combine the cheese, cream, and pierogies. This ensures every bite is filled with cheesy, creamy goodness.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich casserole.

Serve hot, and watch as your family or guests devour this satisfying, flavor-packed dish.